PM Modi likely to attend ST Samavesh in February: Jual Oram

Bhubaneswar:  Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, while addressing a presser today, announced that a two-day Scheduled Tribe (ST) ‘Mahasamabesh’ will be organised on Feb 2-3, 2019 in Bhubaneswar. Apart from 5000 delegates, PM Modi is likely to attend the event.

While BJP national president Amit Shah will attend a massive rally on February 3, nearly 1 lakh tribals are also expected to be a part of the event.

Oram has alleged that the Odisha government failed miserably to resolve the issue of tribals in the State.

"Odisha government has given Record of Rights but there have been no land allotments. Caste certificates are being given with six months validity following which people are facing lot of difficulties. In the name of Special Development Council, they have snatched away the power of elected representatives," alleged Oram.

The Union Minister also criticised the State government over its demand for women's reservation by calling it a drama.

Reponding to Union Minister Jual Oram's allegations, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said, "The Centre itself has not done anything for the welfare of tribals. The State government has been repeatedly writing letters to the Centre raising question on why the stipend amount for SC students was reduced to Rs 30 crore from Rs 200 crore in last 3 years.”